Stires, Erling combine for Sandpiper Invitational title

SANTA BARBARA, Calif (Nov. 4, 2018) – With rounds of 66-67 at Sandpiper Golf Club, Todd Stires and Bob Erling claimed the Sandpiper Invitational. The pair reached 11-under 133, which gave them a four-shot victory.

Stires, of Murrieta, Calif., recently was third in the gross division of the Myrtle Beach world Amateur Handicap Championship. Erling, also of Murrieta, frequents SCGA events and qualified for the 2003 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

Zack Cram and Chase Blossom were runner-up at 7-under 137 while David Ober and Rick Taniguchi were third another shot back.

Defending champions Travis Olsen and Danny Licursi tied for fourth with their 5-under total. The pair started strong with an opening 67 but slid to even-par 72 in the final round.

Matt Hammons and Steve Hollis won the net championship by eight shots.